Eli5: Why does a camera have to flash and time it perfectly when it takes a picture? Can’t the light just stay on?
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The main reason ‘flash’ exists is because of historical technical reasons. The original cameras (film) werent very sensitive to light. It required really long exposure times – like minutes. So to speed it up, they invented ‘flash’ – basically a paper covered in flammable material that they would light and be very bright to get a better photo.
Over time, flash paper was replaced with various new tech – flash bulbs were one-time use and very bright. Then xenon reusable bulbs.
These days, though, for most photography you don’t need a flash. Your camera phone is very sensitive to light and can even take reasonable pictures in dimly lit areas. The flash (now an LED) could stay on, but it uses a lot of electricity and can be uncomfortable for the people you are photographing.
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